Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a condition which is characterized by a person behaving in a needy manner, and relying too heavily on other people. People with this disorder may depend on other people to take care of both, their emotional, and physical needs. They may behave submissively, and cling to the people close to them. They may also fear separation from people close to them due to the belief that they will be unable to carry out their day to day functioning on their own. 

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What are the primary symptoms/signs of the condition?

• People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions and feel that others are more equipped to do so.
• They may feel devastated by loss and separation, and they may even suffer abuse to stay in a relationship. 
• They may belittle themselves and their abilities and frequently refer to themselves as stupid. 
• They may exhibit a constant and excessive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive and clinging behaviors and fears of separation
• They have difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others.
• They need others to assume responsibility for most major areas of their life.
• They have difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. 
• They have difficulty initiating projects or doing things on their own because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy.
• They go to excessive lengths to receive care and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant.
• They feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or themselves.
• They urgently seek another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends.
• They are unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of themselves.

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes? 

• As with most personality disorders, the exact cause of DPD is unknown.
• Individuals who have experienced separation anxiety disorder or chronic physical illness in childhood or adolescence are at a higher risk of developing this disorder.

What is the recommended treatment?

• People with dependent personality disorder should consider psychotherapy for treatment. 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on unusual thinking patterns, the beliefs that underlie such thinking, and resolving symptoms or traits that are characteristic of the disorder—such as the inability to make important life decisions or the inability to initiate relationships. 
• This disorder often requires long-term therapy or treatment.
• There may be other underlying conditions, so medication may be helpful. 
• Antidepressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers are often prescribed for patients with dependent personality disorder to treat co-occurring conditions.

• A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose DPD by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
• The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the dependent behavior is not caused as a result of other underlying medical conditions, or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
• The GP/psychologist will then check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for DPD before making a diagnosis.

• The prevalence of this disorder in the general population is estimated at less than 1 percent.
•  More women than men have been found to have dependent personality disorder.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional

• Exercise
• Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
• Practice Mindfulness
• Practice Yoga
• Engage in a well-balanced diet
• Maintain a good sleep schedule 
• Recognise what you can and can’t handle